Report: Jeanette Nuñez will be DeSantis’ running mate

State Representative Jeanette Nuñez will reportedly be Congressman Ron DeSantis’ pick for Lt. Governor. That’s according to a report by Politico Florida. Nunez would be Florida’s first Hispanic female Lt. Governor, if victorious in November.

DeSantis selection of Nunez is a nod to the importance of the Hispanic vote in the general election. The race between DeSantis and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is expected to be a tight race. Two polls released this week, including a Gravis Marketing survey, show Gillum with a narrow lead that’s within the margin of error.

Rep. Nuñez, a Miami native, has served in the Florida House since 2010. She’s spent the last two years as House Speaker pro tempore, a largely ceremonial position that is considered the number two leadership post in the House.

If elected, she would succeed another Cuban-American — Carlos Lopez-Cantera.

DeSantis selection also gives him someone with experience navigating the Tallahassee legislative process, a skill he lacks but will need to push his legislative agenda through the House and Senate.

DeSantis will likely introduce Nuñez during a Republican rally Thursday in Orlando.

Gallium will announce his running mate Thursday morning at 10 am on his campaign Facebook page.